DIMAPUR, MAY 22 (NPN): Amid the ongoing outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in various parts of the state, the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS) department has issued an advisory urging pig farmers, traders and the public to strictly follow preventive and biosecurity measures to contain the disease.
In an advisory, the department said it was closely monitoring the ASF situation across the state through district veterinary officers and field staff, who were carrying out surveillance, containment, awareness drives, sample collection and biosecurity measures.
The department clarified that ASF was a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs but did not infect humans and was not a public health concern. However, the department warned that the disease caused severe economic losses to pig farmers.
Therefore, the department has advised the public to immediately report any sudden sickness or death of pigs to the nearest veterinary office, avoid unauthorised movement and sale of pigs and pork products from affected areas, maintain strict farm hygiene and refrain from disposing pig carcasses in rivers, forests or open public places.
Further, the department has appealed to the public not to spread unverified information regarding ASF to avoid panic and misinformation. The department acknowledged the support extended by district administrations and appreciated chief veterinary officers, veterinary doctors, veterinary field assistants and mobile veterinary units engaged in containment measures.
Meanwhile, the department has urged media houses and citizens to disseminate only verified information issued by the department.
